Dedicated Northern Ireland Covid-19 app launched

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The Department of Health Northern Ireland has launched a new Covid-19 NI information app.

The new app is dedicated to providing people across Northern Ireland with immediate advice and links to vital trusted information, as the situation with the pandemic evolves we will keep the app up to date.

The app includes guidance on the symptoms of the coronavirus infection and supports individuals to identify whether they might potentially have the infection. It will also provide advice on what actions people should take if they think they may have coronavirus. The information provided will also help people decide if they need advice from a health or care professional and how best to access that advice should they need it.

People can ask specific questions through the app with an Advice Search ‘chatbot’ that automatically reviews all the guidance to find a response to match individual queries.

By providing early and easily accessible advice to the public, and information on whether someone may need to speak to a healthcare professional the app should also help with easing pressure on GP surgeries, pharmacies and other community services.

Once downloaded, people who use the app will also receive push notifications, which will include the latest public health advice.

Data security
•The app does not collect any personally identifiable information.
•We will collect information related to the postcode and age of the user to help us track the impact of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
•This will help us to plan services and ensure that resources are directed to the areas of greatest need.

Project overview

People can ask specific questions through the app with an Advice Search ‘chatbot’ that automatically reviews all the guidance to find a response to match individual queries.
By providing early and easily accessible advice to the public, and information on whether someone may need to speak to a healthcare professional the app should also help with easing pressure on GP surgeries, pharmacies and other community services.
Once downloaded, people who use the app will also receive push notifications, which will include the latest public health advice.

Commitment required

Other, please state

Details

Who can use this app?
•The app is available to all individuals who are currently residing in Northern Ireland.
•You can use this app to get advice for yourself, or on behalf of someone else that you would like to help.